5 ways to remove bumper stickers

Bumper stickers aren’t forever. Summer is an ideal time to remove them, as the heat helps break the bond. You may already have the ingredients for a homemade solution.

Removing bumper stickers can be a nasty job. Fortunately, they're more easily removed in warm weather, so the next time you get out the hose and bucket to wash your car, try one of these five techniques to remove those outdated decals. Coupon Sherpa, www.couponsherpa.com

Related News/Archive

Wet a rag in boiling water and place on the sticker. Alternately, pour boiling water repeatedly over sticker. Soak for one minute or more. Begin peeling sticker at corner. Repeat as needed. If you still have no luck, move on to natural agents, below.

Natural agents

In a spray bottle mix three parts water, two teaspoons rubbing alcohol and one part eucalyptus oil, alcohol solution or dish soap. Generously spray the sticker. Soak for about 10 minutes. Remove as much of the sticker as possible, peeling back from a corner. If necessary, reapply solution, soak and peel until entire sticker is removed.

Or, soak a cloth in vinegar and place it over the bumper sticker. Soak three to five minutes. Peel off sticker from edges. Rub vinegar over the area to remove sticky residue.

WD-40 or lighter fluid

Pour a bit of WD-40 or lighter fluid on a cloth. Rub on the edges of the sticker. Start to peel off a corner of the sticker with your fingers, a rubber spatula or an old credit card. Do not use a razor blade as it can scratch surfaces. Wipe residue with a soft, lint-free rag dampened with rubbing alcohol. If area under sticker is discolored, buff with a polishing compound and a fresh coat of wax.

Blow dryer

Heat entire surface on blow dryer's low setting for 30 seconds or more. Hold dryer at least 6 inches from surface. Avoid high heat, which can cause paint to chip. Start to peel off a corner of the sticker while continuing to apply heat. Gently scrape off the sticker using a rubber spatula or a putty knife blade wrapped in duct tape. Do not use a razor blade as it can scratch surfaces. Wipe residue with a soft, lint-free rag dampened with rubbing alcohol. Buff with a polishing compound and a fresh coat of wax. Works well on steel, glass and some painted surfaces.

Goo Gone

Perforate the decal surface so the chemical can break down the adhesive. Apply directly to entire surface. Allow remover to soak in for several minutes. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe clean. Wash area with soap. Best suited for removing adhesive after you've removed the sticker.